This month our focus at Awesome Marriage is “Habits of Happy Couples.” In other words, what are some things you can do as a couple that will increase your level of happiness in your marriage? Today let’s look at the Habit of Showing Affection. When I teach couples preparing for marriage, we talk about affection and how it enhances a relationship and bonds the couple closer together.

There are lots of ways to show affection. One of my favorites in our marriage doesn’t involve any touching at all. In fact, we can be on opposite sides of the room with lots of people around and make it happen. It is a simple look, but one that shows love. Nancy has a way of looking at me with her eyes and a smile that tells me loud and clear that she loves me.

Other forms of affection usually involve touching. Holding hands, a hug, an embrace, a kiss, and putting your arm around your spouse all show affection. Most of us do these well when we are dating. I’m not sure why but many couples seem to lose these when they are a few years into marriage. Certainly the demands of life play a part, but I think we can also rely on the sexual relationship to take care of the affection.

Sex is an incredible gift from God but we can’t have sex all the time. Yet, we can show affection all the time. We can hold hands, hug, embrace, kiss, and put our arms around each other almost anytime we are together. It connects us with each other and also sends a message to the world that says, “this person is mine and is not available!” I promise that if you work on the habit of showing affection together, your marriage will be better and your sex life will get better too!